Person familiar with decision: Bob Melvin out as Arizona Diamondbacks managerPHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks fired Bob Melvin on Thursday, hoping a new manager will be able to get the most out of their talented core of young players. Bengals cut ties with OT Jones, terminating contract of former first-round pickCINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with Levi Jones, terminating the contract of their starting offensive tackle and former first-round pick. NFL free agent linebacker Larry Foote signs 1-year deal with hometown Detroit LionsALLEN PARK, MICH. — Larry Foote had other offers in other cities and from teams who weren’t coming off one of the worst seasons in NFL history. Twins send slumping second baseman Casilla down, call up versatile infielder Matt TolbertBALTIMORE — Second baseman Alexi Casilla has been sent to Triple-A Rochester by the Minnesota Twins, who tired of his lack of hustle and his struggles at the plate. NFL free agent linebacker Larry Foote says he’s close to 1-year deal with hometown LionsDETROIT — Larry Foote says he is close to agreeing to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. NFL free agent linebacker Larry Foote says he agreed to 1-year deal with hometown LionsDETROIT — Larry Foote says he has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. Patriots sign former Chicago safety Brandon McGowan, cut punter Tom MaloneFOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have signed safety Brandon McGowan, who became an unrestricted free agent after four seasons with the Chicago Bears. NFL free agent linebacker Larry Foote says Lions offered him a contract during his visitDETROIT — Larry Foote says the Detroit Lions have made him a contract offer and the linebacker’s first choice is to sign with his hometown team. Colts re-sign DL Johnson after 2008 arrest, suspensionINDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed defensive tackle Ed Johnson after they waived him last season following an arrest on a drug possession charge. Cardinals OF Rick Ankiel released from hospital after slamming headfirst into wallST. LOUIS — Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel was released from a hospital Tuesday after tests showed he sustained no significant injuries while crashing headfirst into the wall a night earlier. Astros-Nationals game suspended by rain while tied at 10 in the bottom of the 11thWASHINGTON — After playing so poorly for so long, as though neither team wanted to win, neither the Washington Nationals nor Houston Astros did win Tuesday, because their game was suspended by rain with the score tied at 10 in the 11th inning. Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel released from hospital after slamming headfirst into wallST. LOUIS — Just before Rick Ankiel barreled headfirst into the wall, the thought flashed through his mind: My career is finished. Magic jump on weary Celtics, hold on for 95-90 victory in Game 1 of Eastern semifinalsBOSTON — Stan Van Gundy isn’t going to fret over the 28-point lead his team nearly blew in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The only score the Orlando Magic coach cares about is 1-0. Magic jump on weary Celtics, hold on for 95-90 victory in Game 1 of Eastern semisBOSTON — Dwight Howard returned from his one-game suspension to get 16 points and 22 rebounds Monday night and help the Orlando Magic hold off the late-charging Boston Celtics 95-90 in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Seattle Seahawks sign FB David KirtmanRENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have signed fullback David Kirtman to a one-year contract. Patriots sign 3 players from Navy among 8 free agentsFOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have signed eight players, including three from Navy will likely won’t be available immediately. In anticipated move, Steelers release LB Larry FootePITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote on Monday, a move expected since Foote asked to be traded or cut. Home again: Cornerback Ken Lucas gets another chance with SeahawksRENTON, Wash. — When he left Seattle more than four years ago, Ken Lucas was still young and impressionable, wooed across the country to Carolina by big dollars and a feeling of being unappreciated by the Seahawks. Red Sox executive Michael Dee hired as Miami Dolphins’ chief executive officerDAVIE, Fla. — Boston Red Sox executive Michael Dee has been hired as chief executive officer of the Miami Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium. Cardinals’ Warner practices, says he’s ahead of schedule in hip surgery recoveryTEMPE, Ariz. — Kurt Warner says he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to repair a hip injury that bothered him much of last season. Washington Nationals sign RHP Mike MacDougal to minor league contract, assign him to Triple-AWASHINGTON — Right-hander Mike MacDougal has signed a non-guaranteed, minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, who assigned the reliever to their Triple-A Syracuse club Sunday. Selanne compares Ducks teammate Getzlaf favorably with Ovechkin, Crosby and MalkinDETROIT — Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf and Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen seem to have some similarities. Lions hire Washburn, who previously worked for Ravens, as assistant offensive line coachALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have hired Jeremiah Washburn as assistant offensive line coach. Animal-rights group denies that it plans public service ads with disgraced quarterbackAn animal-rights group said Friday it has no plans to do public-service advertisements with Michael Vick after the disgraced quarterback is released from prison. Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill happy to be back with team after 3 days as free agentRENTON, Wash. — Starting linebacker Leroy Hill says he is happy to be back with the Seattle Seahawks after his three-day stint as a free agent. Unrestricted free agents Miller, Ratliff no-show final 76ers’ team meetingPHILADELPHIA — Andre Miller’s ironman streak for the Philadelphia 76ers does not extend to team meetings. Outfielder Kevin Clark gets 50-game suspensionNEW YORK — Colorado Rockies minor league outfielder Kevin Clark has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Steven Jackson confident Rams’ line upgrades will help him thriveST. LOUIS — Steven Jackson was one of the NFL’s best running backs before the St. Louis Rams concentrated on offensive line upgrades in the offseason. WR Shaun McDonald among 3 free agents signed by SteelersPITTSBURGH — Wide receiver Shaun McDonald, punter Dirk Johnson and cornerback Keiwan Ratliff were among five free agents who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the start of their minicamp on Friday. Jets sign 17 undrafted free agents for rookie camp, including former Harvard QB Chris PizzottiFLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have signed 17 undrafted free agents to participate in their rookie minicamp, including former Harvard quarterback Chris Pizzotti. |